Chris Pratt’s go-to Bible verse for homesickness

The verse, carved into a handmade wooden tray, gives him strength and comfort on tough days.

Being away from our families for work, illness, separation or other life circumstances is always difficult, and for actor Chris Pratt, who’s always on the road filming movies and making appearances, this is no exception. But the 39-year-old Christian and father has a simple life hack that helps him deal with homesickness, and maybe it can help you, too.

Pratt, in a photo he posted on Instagram, reveals a handmade religious gift, given to him by his older brother, Cully. In the caption, Pratt explained that Cully, who hand makes valet trays, is an Army veteran and sheriff’s deputy. He goes on to call him “a real hero … who loves to make something out of nothing with his bare hands.”

The gift, which Pratt refers to as a “pocket dump tray,” is apparently a type of item that Cully crafts regularly as a hobby. Pratt explains, “We all need a place to throw our wallets, keys, cell-phones, lighters, pistols or whatever else [you] keep in your pocket so you know exactly where it is the next day.”

When Cully decided to make one for his younger brother, he asked what type of design he’d like on it. Pratt initially requested a patriotic theme, but then realized he’d prefer to have something more comforting to bring along while working away from home. “So I [thought] about this great Bible verse Philippians 4:13 which I’ve relied on for strength from time to time.” Pratt says he reads it when he is “homesick in need of comfort.”

The result is a beautifully carved image of Christ beside the verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.” So many of us feel pangs to be with our loved ones when we’re called far away from home. One can imagine how seeing this verse brings Pratt back to his faith, and reminds him to endure when he feels vulnerable or tired. And each time he looks at his brother’s handiwork, the tray must also remind Pratt of his familial and filial love.

And that’s part of the beauty of this little Instagram post: How, even having achieved such phenomenal fame and success, Chris Pratt still knows that faith and family are his foundation.